Mixed-use development in lea of Calton Hill. This site had lain empty for 40 years as the Council slugged it out with various developers. The last scheme was rejected by the planners for being too boring, but the completed building is far from dull.

images from Allan Murray Architects

The project comes in two parts: one – omniedinburgh – includes shops, restaurants, health club and a 12-screen cinema for Warner Village Cinemas; the other – Calton Square – is a massive office development, two-thirds of which the Baillie Gifford will occupy as its new headquarters. The last protective wrapping is due to be removed October 2002.

1998-2002 – First Place in International Competition “Commercial Development of the Year” Scottish Property Awards 2003

Situated in Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site the proposals for Greenside created an urban space for the city, according to the architects. The development includes 200,000 sqft leisure complex, a 150,000 sqft office headquarters building, roof gardens and a new civic square linking to Calton Hill.

AMA won the international design competition for the last gap site in Edinburgh’s East end in 1998. Their detailed urban analysis of the site generated two distinct buildings comprising the leisure building called ‘Omni’ and a flagship office building, called ‘Calton Square’.

Allan Murray Architects developed the designs of both buildings up to Planning and developed and implemented the design of the public realm.

Mood A nightclub between omniedinburgh (or the Omni Centre) and the Glasshouse Hotel.

The Glasshouse The Glasshouse Hotel is the latest addition to The Eton Group’s portfolio and occupies the 5th/6th floors of the Omni Leisure Complex, the new development at the foot of Calton Hill just a few minutes’ walk from Princes Street.

Glasshouse Hotel: image from Allan Murray Architects

Omni Centre Address: Greenside Row, Edinburgh EH1 3AA Phone: 0131 524 7770 Vue Cinema has 12 Screens. Omni also offers a wide range of different Restaurants to suit all tastes. Located in The Omni Shopping Centre on Greenside Place, Vue Omni Centre has around 2,188 seats including 2 Digital 3D screens. The Omni Shopping Centre has plenty of parking spaces. It is surrounded by various restaurants and shopping facilities making for a great day out.